Reconnaissance instrument



001.31, 1944. E, L HARTLVEY, 1R

REGONNAISANCE INSTRUMENT Filed Oct. 9. 1942 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 /frl f//ff/ r//f/r//r//r/ A oRNVEYs WITNESSES Oct. 3l, 1944.

E. L. MB1-LEY, JR 2,361,839

RECONNAISANGE iNsT'RUMENT Filed oct. 9. 19,42 5 sheets-sheet 4 Tiri-.12-

WlTNssazs Patented Oct. 31, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE RECONNAISSANCE INSTRUMENT Eugene Lodwick Hartley, Jr., Batesburg, S. C.

Application October 9, 1942, Serial No. 461,495

(Cl. :i3-1) 8 Claims.

This invention relates to. reconnaissance instruments, a'nd more particularly to an instrument using in mapping, to accurately graph elevations, contours and variations in the earths surface.

With present day instruments, it is diiiicult to map wooded areas, particularly jungle country. due to the lowyisibility and underbrush. With present day instruments -it is necessary to cut a considerable path in order that the surveyors may see each other.

An object of this invention is to provide a portable accurate measuring and recording device which may be used in any -type of country and which will only require a sufficient clearing to allow aline to pass through.

A further object is to provide a device `of the character describedA wherein the calculations are automatic, and the possibility of human error is reduced to a minimum.`

It isalso 'an object of the invention to provide a device of the characterdescribed4 in which not only are the calculations made automatically, 'but in which they are automatically recorded.

The purpose of this device `is to record not only contours and other variations in the earths surface, but also the direction in whichthese contours run and the pathof'travel of the surveying crew.

In my invention aline is drawn from the device against spring pressure from the starting pointk over the Varea `to -be surveyed.` The ma chine is then set, as will hereinafter be explained, andfthe line returned. As the line is returned, stylographs record on graph paper the contours and-direction of the ground covered.

In the accompanying drawings- Fig. 1 is a planview` of the device embodying my invention;

Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view thereof taken on the line 2 2 of. Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an end view of the device;

Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view taken on the line 4--4 of Fig. 1; f

Fig.l 5 is a cross sectional view taken on the line 5.-5 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view takenon the line '6-6 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is anend view .from the opposite rend of Fig. 3; y

Fig. 8 is a crosssectional view taken on the line 8`8 of Fig. 1I

Fig. 9 is an enlarged detailview showing the operation of the line, taken on the line 9--9 of Fig. 13;

Fig. 10 is adetail view showing the operation of the pressure wheels;

Fig. 11 is'a detail View of a train of gears used to rotate one of the rollers;

Fig. 12 is a plan view of the rollers and stylographs used;

Fig. 13 is a cross sectional View taken on the line l3-l 3 of Fig. 2.;

Figs. 14 and 15 are detail views in section of a stylograph mounting;

Fig. 16 is `a detail View showing the operation of the directional control apparatus;

Fig. 17 is a detail View showing the operation of the contour control apparatus;

Fig. 18 is a diagrammatical view showing the manner in which the instrument is used.

Referring to Fig. 18, it will be noted that where rising ground is being plotted, the elevation causes the distance between two points to be increased. The gure also shows the manner in which the string or line is used to take Ineasurements. It will be noted that the instrument is held a definite distance A above the ground. This requires that the line operator hold the end of the string the same distance above the ground and a stick or rule may be used for this purpose. While not specifically shown, straps or harness may be provided to position the instru- `ment on the chest of the operator.

My device includes a casing 20 having a transparent top 2| hinged at 22 to the casing. Mounted in the casing are rolls 23 and 24 bearing graph paper, as is indicated in Fig. 12. squares in the graph may represent any predetermined distance, and arrangement is made so that this distance may be varied by interchangeable gears, which will be described later.` By way of example, one of the larger squares may represent feet cr 500 feet, depending upon the necessity for detailed information.

Mounted in the cover 2l is a compass scale 25 and a magnetic needle 26. Above the needle are cross scales 21 and 28 mounted at right angles to each other. Levels 29 and 3l) are mounted at right angles to each other so that theoperator may accurately level the entire device.

The scales 2l and 28 are mounted on threaded rods 3l and 32 which are connected by a train of gears and rods to the knobs 33 and 34 as isv clearly shown in Fig. 1.6. Thus it will be seen that' by turning the knobs 33 and 34, the operator can cause the scales 21 and 28 to move so that the The larger cross hairs on said scales may be made to coincide at a point immediately above the point of the compass needle. While not shown in Fig. 16,

`the rod 35, leading to the threadedrod 3|, and

the end of the threaded rod 32, are provided with universal joints 36 (Figs. 1 and 2) to allow the lid to be opened.

In addition4 to operating the threaded rod 3|, the knob 33 is connected by a train of gears to the threaded rod 31, upon which is mounted by an internally threaded mount, the roller 38. Similarly, the knob 34 controls the turning of the threaded rod 39, upon which is mounted the roller 40. The rollers used throughout, and there are four of them,are substantially the same in detail. Fig. 10 shows one of these rollers which includes the wheel 4| having a gear 42 attached, which, in turn, contacts an idler 43, which idler engages the pinion rod 44.

It will be seen that by operating the knob 33 the operator not only causes the scale 21 to move, but at the same time changes the position of the roller 38 on the disc 45. Similarly, the movement of the knob 34 moves the scale 28 and changes the position of the roller 40 on the disc 46. The roller 38 is operatively connected to the pinion rod 41 and the roller 40 is operatively connected to the pinion rod 48. The rod 48 is operatively connected by means of a train of gears by the rod 49 to the threaded rod 50 on which is mounted the stylograph When the disc rotates, as will hereinafter be explained, the movement is transmitted through the roller 40, the rod 48, and through the threaded rod 50, to move the stylograph along the roll 24 to rotate the roll to a degree and direction depending upon the position of the roller 38. Obviously, the amount. of movement of the stylograph and the roll will be dependent upon the position of the rollers 38 and 40 with relation to the center of the discs 45 and 46, there being no movement when the rollers are positioned at the center of the discs, and there being an increasing movement as the rollers are moved toward the periphery of the discs.

The movement of the roll 23 is controlled by a similar mechanism including the combination of discs and friction rollers, the positions of which are controlled by the knobs 60 and 6 which, likewise control the vertical scales 62 and 63. order to secure the proper contact reading after the device is leveled, the position of the string with relation to the device is noted in the mirror .64 and the knobs 60 and 6| are manipulated until l the cross hairs of the scales 62 and B3 coincide with the string, as shown in Fig. 3.

'Ihe scale 62 is mounted on the threaded rod 65 which is connected by a train of gears and rods to, and is rotated by, the knob 60, as clearly shown in Fig. 17. The scale 63 is mounted on the threaded rod 66 which, in turn, is controlled by the knob 6|. The movement of the knob 60 likewise rotates the threaded rod 61 on which is mounted the roller 68. The movement of the knob 6| likewise controls the rotation of the threaded rod 69 on which is mounted the roller 10. The roller 68 contacts the disc 1| and is operatively engaged to the pinion rod 12. The roller contacts the disc 13 and is operatively engaged to the pinion rod 14.

The rod 14 is connected by a train of gears and the rod to the threaded shaft 16 on which is mounted the stylograph 11. The rod 12 is operatively connected by means of gears and the worm 18 to the geared end 19 of the roll 23. Thus it will be seen that the position of the roller 65 on the disc-1| will control the movement of the roll 23 while the position of the roller 10 on the disc 13 will control the movement of the stylograph 11. i

The worm 18 is mounted in a bracket l0 having elongated slots ||2 to allow the position of the bracket to be shifted so that the gear |4 may be removed and a larger or smaller gear substituted to vary the movement of the roll so that it will coincide with the desired value of each square on the graph,

In the base of the device is a coiled spring mounted on the shaft 8|. The shaft 8| engages the gear 82 which meshes with the gear 83 which is geared-to the hub B4 of the reel 85 on which is mounted a line of light cord or string. The string moves through a guide 86 over a pulley 81 and out through openings 88 in the side of the device. On the rear of the pulley is a ratchet 89 and a gear 90. The gear 90 is provided with a pawl 9| to engage the ratchet 89 when the rotation of the pulley is counterclockwise. The pulley 89 and the gear 90 are mounted on a shaft in a slidable mount 92, as

Ishown in Fig. 13. The mount 92 may be moved either way to accommodate different sizes of gears 90. This variation is provided in order to vary the value of the large squares on the graph paper, the larger the gear being used, the larger the value of the squares expressed in terms of distance.

The gear meshes with a pinion 93 on a shaft 94 which has at its end a worm 95 engaging the gear 96 on the hub 91 supporting the discs 1| and 13. Pinion rod 14 engages a gear 99 which operates the pinions |00 and |0|. Pinion |00 is mounted on a shaft |02 having a worm |03 engaging the worm gear |04 on the hub of the disc 4B. Pinion |0| is mounted on a shaft |05 having a similar worm |06 engaging the worm gear |01 on the base of the disc 45.

In operation, in the field, the operator stands at the starting point, as indicated in Fig. 13. His assistant then takes the line or string and walks outwardly over the ground to be plotted. If the ground is rolling, then only a relatively short distance may be covered, say, from one depression to the top of the next rise., If the rise or fall is constant, a greater distance may be covered.

As the stringis moved outwardly from the box, the pulley 81 will be turned, but the pawl 9| will slide over the ratchet 89 so that no motion will be transmitted to the mechanism. As soon as the predetermined point is reached, the assistant stops and holds the string the proper distance above the ground. The operator then levels the box and manipulates the knobs 33 and 34 until the cross hairs of the scales 21 and 28 coincide with the point of the compass needle 29. As has previously been explained, this will cause friction rollers 38 and 40 to assume the proper position on the discs 45 and 46. f

Glancing into the mirror 64, the operator then manipulates the knobs 60 and 6| until the cross hairs of the scales 62 and 63 coincide with the line or string, as shown in Fig. 3. This causes rollers` 68 and 69 to assume the proper position on the discs 1| and 13. It will be noted that each of the rollers, with the exception of the roller 40, is free to move completely across the face of the disc so as to reverse the direction of rotation of the roller. Since the roller 40 determines the forward motion of the stylograph asoman l 1f, and 'since this motiorr is always 'forwardfit is not "necessary to reverse* it. 'The stylographs are so constructed that they may :be moved'l to' the lefthand" of the; machine-Without turning the" threaded" rods onwhi'ch` theyrareA mounted. Asisishownin Figs: `14i and-` 1-,5L the"stylograph" Ais -mnuntedim a fbase l f which is :providedL 'with a spring clampV "l 'If6',`-`tl `ie" jaws of`V which *are* in' ternaily4 threaded. By `compressing "thelhandle members l IT, 'the stylographf'may be :nani-laits1 movedv to' `the startingl position.y p p Having "adjusted thecontrols';`A as f outlined jabeve, A`,the-operator may either walk Ltoward-his assistant, orA vice -versag or" the -`string may 17Abe allowedftoV come back A'ontofthe-reellBSLiri any desired lmannerj" it being yunderstoody thatffthe action of the spring will cause the stringlf-tofreeA turna-1 AsA ithe'vstring returns over the lpulley- 81, turning` 'th- `pulley` in a yccunterclock-vvise direction, pawl"'9|` will eng'agathefratchet- '83- and transmit power lthrough `the shaft 1.9L y to rotate all of thediscs 45J 46y 'H and '13. The rotation of the discs-Will transmit-powertothe rollers 38, 4B, 68 and 10. This movement will be transmitted to the several stylographs and rolls, it being understood that the movement transmitted through the rollers 40 and 10 will move the stylographs along their threaded rods 50 and 16, while the movement transmitted to the rollers 38 and 68 gives the rolls 23 and 24 rotary movement. The operation may then be repeated to continue the charting of the terrain.

It will be appreciated that it is not necessary for the crew to operate in a series of straight lines, and the second operation may be on an angle from the rst. The variance will be recorded on the roll 23 as is indicated thereon. When the graph is removed from the rolls, it is only necessary for a map maker to know the starting point. He may then chart their direction and the contour of the ground, which is indicated on the roll 24.

While I have shown specific mechanism for the synchronous operation of the rollers and scales and the transmission of the motion of the returning string to the Vstylographs and rolls, it will be readily appreciated that various gear hook-ups may be used to accomplish this purpose without departing from the spirit ofmy invention. It will also be appreciated that the size of the instrument and manufacturingconvenience may dictate changes in the specific arrangement and construction.

I claim:

l. A surveying instrument including a case. a reel of line in said case, spring means for-n`or mally retaining said line in a retracted position, a pulley contacting said line, a plurality of discs operatively connected for,rotation to said pulley, friction rollers on said discs, means for varying the position of said friction rollers with relation to the center of said discs, recording rolls, stylographs operatively positioned on said recording rolls, means connecting said friction rollers with said stylographs and with said rolls, sliding scales, means for positioning said scales, saidl means being operatively connected to said roller positioning means, whereby the position of said scales determines the position of said rollers on said friction discs.

2. The combination with a recording roll having a stylograph operatively positioned with relation thereto, of separate means for rotating said roll and moving said stylograph, said means including a pair of discs mounted for rotation,

frictionrollers engaging said discs,` a -pa-ir of cross scales mounted 'at right "angles to each other,` a'pairof Aknobs eachoperatively connected to one of"sa idfrictio'ny rollers" an-d lto one-'of l-said scales; whereby'the operation vof each of said knobs will cause "the" movement -of one-'of'said `scales yand changethe position-of one of said friction lrollers witlrrelation tothecenterofsai-d disc.

BJ'A surveying instrumentincludi-ng a case-a reel iri'saidcase-a line on'said'reel; meansv for normally maintaining said line-in Ya retracted rpo'- siti'on," levelin'g vmeans on said casega "magnetic needle mounted on said case,A crossiscales adjustably Amounted abovey said needle; verticalV scales on the side of said' case `adjacent said lineymeans forwaryin'g thpositionofsaid scales to coincide withsaid compass needle and with saidv line, recording rolls, stylographs operatively `positioned with relation "toisaid rolls, vand .means cooperan:` ingvvithlsaid line for recording the returnjmorve` mentor said line onsaidrolls-by meansof-said stylographs, sai^ ii'1`ieans"being` controlled A"by said scale' adjusting means.`

4. A .mapping instrument including a case, a pair of recording rolls mounted in said case, stylographs operatively positioned with relation to said recording rolls, a disc mounted for rotation for each of said stylographs and for each of said rolls, a friction roller on each of said discs adapted to transmit movement of said disc to one of said rolls or stylographs, two pairs of cross scales, one pair of said scales being adapted to cooperate with a magnetic needle to indicate direction, a reel of line adapted to be drawn out of said case for measuring purposes and adapted to cooperate with the other pair of said scales to record direction and elevation, means for simultaneously moving each of said scales and its corresponding friction roller with relation to the center of the corresponding disc, and means cooperating with said line to rotate said discs when said line is re.- turned to said case.

5. In a mapping instrument, a pair of recording rolls, stylographs operatively positioned with relation to each recording roll, one of said re-v cording rolls being adapted to record direction, the other of said recording rolls being adapted to record distance and elevation, means for rotating each of said rolls and for moving each of said stylographs with relation thereto, said means including discs or each stylograph and roll, a friction roller on each of said discs operatively connected to one of said stylographs or one of said rolls, a line in said instrument adapted to be stretched from said instrument to a predetermined point, means operated by the retraction of said line to rotate said discs, a pair of cross scales on said instrument, one of said pair of scales being adapted to control the recording of direction, the other of said pair of scales being adapted to record elevation, and control members for moving each of said scales to the desired position, and to simultaneously move'one of said friction rollers on its disc with relation `to the center thereof, whereby the direction and amount of rotation of each of said rolls and the direction and amount of movement of each of said stylographs upon the retraction or said line is automatically predetermined.

6. A mapping instrument operated by a line, spring means for normally maintaining said line in a retracted position, a pair of recording rolls, stylographs operatively positioned with relation to said rolls, one of said rolls being adapted to record the direction of the extension of saidfline, the other of said rolls being adapted to record the elevation of said line upon extension, mechanism for rotating said rolls and moving said stylographs upon the retraction of said line, a magnetic needle, a pair of cross scales, means for settingone of said pair of cross scales to coincide with the point of said magnetic needle, additional means for setting the other of said pair of cross scales to coincide with said line when extended, and additional means connected to the scale setting means to adjust said mechanism, whereby the amount of movement of said rolls and stylographs upon the retraction of said line is automatically predetermined. f v

7. A surveying instrument including a case, means for leveling the case, a reel of line in said case, spring means in said case for normally retaining said line retracted, a pulley in said case engaged by said line, rotatable discs in said case, interchangeable gearing geared to said pulley and discs, friction rollers which cooperate With said discs respectively, means for varying the position of said friction rollers with relation to the center of said discs, recording rolls in said case,

I stylographs for the recording rolls respectively,

means operatively connectingeach of said friction rollers and its respective stylograph, means operatively connecting each of said friction rollers with said interchangeable gearing, said interchangeable gearing being operatively connected With said recording rolls to operate them in response to the return movement of said line, two pairs of sliding scales carried by said case, scale positioning means operatively connected with said friction rollers respectively whereby the position of said scales determines the position of said friction rollers on said discs, and one pair of scales When set coinciding with said line when extended.

8. A survey instrument as set forth in claim "l, and a magnetic compass carried by said case,

and the second pair of scales When set coinciding with the point of the compass needle.

EUGENE LODWICK HAR'ILEY, J R. 

